compost
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈkɒmpɒst/
KK: /ˈkɒmpoʊst/
noun
Definition
A mixture made from decaying plants and other organic materials that is used to enrich soil and help plants grow.
Example
Many gardeners use compost to improve the quality of their soil.
Conversation
Have you ever tried making your own compost?
Yeah, I started one last summer, and it's really useful.
That's awesome! I want to make compost for my garden too.
You should — it really helps the plants grow!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mixture
blend
humus
Antonyms
waste
pollution
toxins
transitive verb
Definition
To turn organic material, like food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil additive through a natural decomposition process.
Example
We compost our kitchen scraps to create rich soil for our garden.
Tense Forms
Past: composted
Past Participle: composted
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how to compost your kitchen scraps?
I haven't really tried it, but it sounds interesting.
It's actually pretty simple and great for your garden.
Root Explanation
Compost is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "ponere" (meaning to place). The word refers to placing various organic materials together to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Memory Tip
Think of putting things 'together' ('com-') to 'place' ('ponere') them into a mixture that enriches the soil.
Visually Confused Words
coost